Estimating the cost and benefit of low dosage crumb rubber modification of dense graded asphalt mixtures for longer lasting local road surfaces

Crumb rubber modification of bituminous binder and asphalt mixtures provides two significant benefits to the road pavement industry; the consumption of used truck tyres, and the improvement of asphalt mixtures mechanical properties. In heavy duty pavements, high (20- 30% of the binder mass) dosages of crumb rubber have been used to significantly improve the fracture, deformation and temperature resistance of asphalt mixtures. However, the performance of asphalt for local road surfacing is more focused on weathering resistance and anti-ageing properties. In such circumstances, the cost of crumb rubber modification is less justified and lower (5-15%) crumb rubber dosages are more appropriate. Although these lower levels of modification are associated with only modest mechanical property improvement, the potential to slow the weathering and ageing process, leading to longer surface life expectancy, remains significant and attractive. This research estimates the cost and potential benefit of low dosage crumb rubber modification of asphalt mixtures for local road surfacing. The estimated costs include the processing and production of the crumb rubber modified binder and the higher binder content required in asphalt mixtures. The benefits are estimated based on the expected service life, compared to that of otherwise identical unmodified asphalt for local road surfacing. Analysis of cost modelling through use of Monte Carlo simulations indicates that comparative cost reductions resulting from in-house binder blending or streamlined modified binder production by bitumen manufacturers could significantly reduce the additional pavement life required to justify initial cost increases. Further works are suggested to quantify the anti-ageing performance and benefits of crumb rubber modified local road surfaces to prove a cost effective alternative.

• Record URL:
  • http://arrbknowledge.com
• Authors:
  • Kidd, A
  • White, G
  • Stephenson, G
• Conference:
  • AfPA International Flexible Pavements Conference, 19th, 2023, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
• Publication Date: 2023-10

Media Info

• Pagination: 13p
• Monograph Title: Safely paving the way to carbon zero: 19th AfPA International Flexible Pavements Conference, 30th October-1 November 2023, Brisbane, Qld

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aging (Materials); Bitumen; Bituminous pavements; Cost effectiveness; Costs; Crumb rubber; Local government; Mix design; Pavements; Properties of materials; Rubber; Weathering
• Geographic Terms: Australia
• ATRI Terms: Ageing; Bituminous pavement; Cost effectiveness; Crumb rubber; Local government; Material properties; Mix design; Weathering
• ITRD Terms: 5292: Ageing; LOCAL AUTHORITY
• Subject Areas: Pavements; I33: Other Materials used in Pavement Layers;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01929901
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB Group Limited
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Sep 10 2024 2:18PM